Not every abnormal reading on smartwatch heart rate monitor should be alarming, cardiologist explains

Smartwatch heartrate monitors: A resting heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute (bpm), or dipping below 50 bpm when you're not an athlete, may indicate a deeper issue (Image: Pexels)

There was a time pulses were checked the old-fashioned way; counting slowly two fingers on the wrist. Today, your wrists are actually give health advice with every step. Smartwatches have moved beyond step counters and become mini-doctors. But how seriously should you take them?

Smartwatches have found their way into nearly every household, and not just to count how many steps you’ve taken everyday. One of their standout features is heart rate monitoring, sending an alert when your pulse-rate is going too fast or too slow.

Your gadget may send alerts but not every abnormal reading is cause for concern, Dr Tamiruddin Danwade, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, tells Moneycontrol. “Heart rate naturally increases during exercise, stress, dehydration, caffeine intake or even lack of sleep. These are normal, temporary responses. It’s when these alerts appear without any obvious trigger that you should pay closer attention,” he adds.

Also read | What your resting heart rate says about your health

The high and low:

According to Dr Danwade, a resting heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute (bpm), or dipping below 50 bpm when you're not an athlete, may indicate a deeper issue. “You should also worry if you're experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting alongside these alerts," he warns.

Conditions such as arrhythmia, thyroid dysfunction, or even underlying heart disease can sometimes be flagged by these fluctuations, he said, adding, “Context is everything. An increased heart rate after three cups of coffee or a mad dash to catch the bus isn’t necessarily a red flag,” the expert says.

Your smartwatch, adds Dr Danwade,  isn’t a cardiologist. It’s a gadget. And gadgets make mistakes. “Smartwatches use sensors that aren’t always 100 percent accurate,” says Dr Danwade, adding. “They can give false positives due to poor contact with the skin, movement, or technical glitches.”

Also read | Apple launches AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate monitoring, live translation and more

In short, don’t plan your will based on one rogue reading. “If your watch keeps nagging you about your heart rate, especially if it’s backed by physical symptoms, that’s when see a your doctor,” he suggests.

However, some time people dismiss a chest pain as indigestion, or dizziness as weather impact. “But when it comes to heart health, a little caution goes a long way. Use your smartwatch as a guide, not a substitute for medical care. It’s a helpful early warning tool. But it should never replace proper medical evaluation. Always listen to your body, not just your device,” he says.

So, if your wrist buzzes with an urgent heart rate alert, don’t let panic set in. “Ask yourself these few things; Was I stressed? Caffeinated? Exercising? If the answer is yes, breathe easy. But if those warnings come out of the blue, especially with worrying symptoms, don’t ignore them,” he informs.

FAQs on Smartwatch Heartrate Monitors

1. How accurate are smartwatch heart rate monitors?

Smartwatch heart rate monitors use sensors that can sometimes be inaccurate due to poor skin contact, movement, or technical glitches. They can provide helpful insights but shouldn't replace professional medical evaluations.

2. When should I worry about a high heart rate alert from my smartwatch?

A resting heart rate consistently above 100 bpm or below 50 bpm for non-athletes may indicate a health issue, especially if accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Consult a doctor if these symptoms persist.

3. Can normal activities affect my smartwatch heart rate readings?

Yes, activities like exercise, stress, dehydration, caffeine intake, or lack of sleep can temporarily increase your heart rate. These are normal responses and usually not a cause for concern.

4. How should I respond to a heart rate alert on my smartwatch?

If you get a heart rate alert, consider if you were stressed, caffeinated, or exercising. If the alert appears without an obvious trigger and is accompanied by worrying symptoms, seek medical advice.

5. Can smartwatches detect serious heart conditions?

Smartwatches can sometimes flag conditions like arrhythmia, thyroid dysfunction, or heart disease. However, they should be used as an early warning tool and not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.